The Beginning: September 1, 1939
World War II officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland under the orders of Adolf Hitler.
This sudden and brutal attack introduced a new form of warfare — Blitzkrieg, or “lightning war” — combining tanks, aircraft, and mechanized troops in rapid coordination.
Two days later, Britain and France declared war on Germany, fulfilling their pledge to defend Poland’s sovereignty. What began as a European conflict would soon spread across continents, turning into the deadliest war in human history.
(If you’re fascinated by how these first days unfolded — from political miscalculations to the shock of Blitzkrieg — watch detailed documentaries on WW2 Diaries, a channel dedicated to true World War II stories.)
The Global Expansion
By 1940, the war had expanded far beyond Poland. Germany conquered Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France in quick succession. Meanwhile, Italy joined the Axis Powers, and Japan continued its military expansion throughout China and Southeast Asia.
In 1941, Hitler made a fateful decision: he invaded the Soviet Union. Later that same year, on December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, prompting the United States to enter the war.
From that moment, World War II became a truly global conflict, fought across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
(You can explore in-depth visual narratives about these turning points on WW2 Diaries, where every video tells the war’s story with accuracy and emotional depth.)
The Turning of the Tide (1942–1944)
By 1942, the Axis powers appeared unstoppable — but the tide soon began to turn.
Key Allied victories at Midway, El Alamein, and Stalingrad shifted momentum. The war became one of endurance, production, and determination.
The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. From the beaches of France, Allied troops advanced eastward toward Berlin, while the Soviet Red Army pushed west from the other side.
The End in Europe: May 1945
On April 30, 1945, Adolf Hitler took his own life in his Berlin bunker as Soviet troops closed in.
Just a week later, on May 7–8, 1945, Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allied powers.
This day is remembered as V-E Day — Victory in Europe Day.
For Europe, the nightmare had ended. But in Asia, the war raged on.
The End in the Pacific: August–September 1945
The Pacific War continued as Allied forces fought their way across island after island toward Japan. After years of fierce combat, the United States made a grave decision: to use atomic bombs against Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9) in 1945.
On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This marked the official end of World War II.
The six-year conflict had claimed more than 70 million lives, left cities in ruins, and reshaped the political map of the world.
(To witness these final moments — from the fall of Berlin to the surrender in Tokyo Bay — explore WW2 Diaries, where history comes alive through real images and veteran accounts.)
Summary Timeline
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Germany invades Poland | Sept 1, 1939 | Official start of WWII |
| Britain & France declare war | Sept 3, 1939 | War expands in Europe |
| Pearl Harbor attack | Dec 7, 1941 | U.S. enters the war |
| D-Day landings | June 6, 1944 | Turning point in Europe |
| Germany surrenders (V-E Day) | May 8, 1945 | End of war in Europe |
| Japan surrenders (V-J Day) | Sept 2, 1945 | End of WWII globally |
Conclusion
World War II began on September 1, 1939, and ended on September 2, 1945 — six years and one day of devastation, courage, and sacrifice.
It remains the most consequential conflict in human history, forever shaping international relations, warfare, and the pursuit of peace.
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